Mother of the Groom Speech: 6 Parts to Writing the Perfect Toast + 75 Examples
You have one huge responsibility at this wedding—to give a memorable mother of the groom speech. How do you write a mother of the groom speech that honors your son, welcomes a new family into yours, and balances humor with sentimental feelings? Have no fear, I’m here to help.
As a professional wedding vow and speech writer, I’ll walk you through the key aspects to creating an impactful mother of the groom speech.
Here’s an outline I created to help you write your speech:
Introduce Yourself
Thank the Guests
Talk about your Son
Talk about your new Daughter or Son-in-Law
Explain Why Their Marriage Makes You Happy
Close with a Wish for the Couple
This may sound overwhelming but don’t worry—I’ll go into more detail to describe what each section means. When you follow this format, your speech will flow seamlessly and it will address every key aspect of what a mother of the groom speech should include.
Introduce Yourself
While it may seem obvious as to what your role is at this wedding, not everyone will already know who you are. Begin your speech by stating who you are in relation to the couple.
Examples:
Good evening everyone. My name is Martha and I’m the mother of the groom.
Hello everyone! I’m Martha, the proudest mother of any groom that there ever was.
My name is Martha, the mother of the groom, and I want to thank you for being here today.
This sets the stage for your speech by stating a clear fact. Everyone will understand what is about to happen—the mother of the groom is going to give a speech.
This is also a nice way to begin your speech if you have a fear of public speaking. When we’re scared to speak in front of a room full of people, it can help to say something “easy.”
In other words, you can feel confident when you state your name and relationship to the groom versus trying to explain a more complex idea. This will immediately calm your nerves and allow you to sound confident from the very first beat of your mother of the groom speech.
Thank the Guests
Before you dive into talking about your son and his new marriage, be sure to thank your guests for attending the event.
Examples:
Thank you for helping me to celebrate the marriage of my son Jason and his new bride Donna.
I want to thank you all for being here today. It’s such a special occasion and it’s been made more meaningful by having each of you with us today to celebrate.
Thank you for sharing in the love of Jason and Donna today.
Talk about your Son
Next, you’ll want to focus on our son. Oh where on earth to begin when writing about your son on his wedding day! This can be the most overwhelming part. To help determine where to focus, start by conducting a brainstorm using my “pen to paper” method.
Start by setting a timer. I suggest 15 to 30 minutes. When you set a time restriction, you’ll have enough time to write down what’s most important without wallowing in details that aren’t necessary for your speech.
Once the timer starts, put your pen to your paper and begin writing. Write about any thought, feeling, or memory that comes to mind when you think about your son. The key is to not take your pen off the paper. Just keep writing. Keep writing even when you don’t have a clear thought to transcribe. When you do this, you’ll eventually tap into your subconscious. That’s when the real creative juices start to flow. You may write down ideas you would have never considered.
Once you’ve completed the brainstorm, highlight or underline thoughts that you’d like to use for your mother of the groom speech. When you have identified themes, you’ll polish these concepts by expanding on each thought and tying it back to the idea of marriage.
Let’s look at an example to see how to accomplish this within your mother of the groom speech.
Brainstorm Note:
I love how my son has a compassionate heart.
Expand on the Concept:
When Jason was six years old, all of his classmates were invited over to the house for his birthday party. Most of them were playing together except for one boy who was sitting by himself. I witnessed my six-year-old son walk away from the pile of new gifts he had just opened to walk over to that boy. Jason was carrying his brand new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figure. Jason handed Donatello over to the boy and said—“Here, this one can be yours. Let’s play together.”
Tie it Back to Marriage:
I’ve witnessed my son show compassion from when he was just a little boy through to becoming the amazing man he is today. It’s his kind and caring heart that will serve his marriage from this day forward.
You can see from the example that you use a specific story to show your chosen idea or trait—his compassion. Then you wrap up the story by bringing everyone back to the present moment and reminding them why everyone has come together—to celebrate a new marriage.
Hi, I’m Katelyn.
Founder of Wedding Words and a professional wedding speech writer who specializes in helping mothers of the groom find the words they’ve been searching for.
You’re here because you want to give a speech that truly honors your son and welcomes his new spouse with love and grace.
But if you’re like many of the moms I work with, you’re also feeling overwhelmed, emotional, or uncertain with where to begin.
That’s where I come in.
Since 2017, I’ve helped hundreds of parents move from nervous and stuck to confident and inspired.
My process is warm, collaborative, and designed to take the pressure off.
We start with a heart-to-heart conversation where I listen deeply to your memories, values, and the story you want to tell. From there, I craft a custom speech that feels like you…genuine, grounded, and emotionally resonant, with just the right touch of humor or sentiment.
Your relationship with your son is one-of-a-kind. Your speech should be too. I’ll help you create a moment that feels effortless and unforgettable.
Because when it’s your turn to speak, you deserve to feel proud…not panicked.
Let’s put your heart into words.
Talk about your New Daughter or Son-in-Law
While the main connection is between you and your son, a good mother of the groom speech also mentions your thoughts on his new wife or husband.
You can follow the same brainstorming exercise used earlier and come up with material for this section too. Once you have a character trait that you’d like to focus on, turn it into a story and detail out at the end why you’re happy that this person is now part of your family.
Let’s look at another example.
Character Trait:
Your son’s partner is thoughtful.
Story to Show Trait:
When I first met Donna, she came to my home and I was greeted with a bouquet of purple lilacs—my favorite flower. Over the years, I’ve witnessed Donna remember the little things that are important to the people she loves—like my son—and she acts on these gestures with pure love.
Close with Why You’re Happy:
When I think about these completely selfless and thoughtful gestures that Donna regularly gives, it warms my heart to know that my family will be surrounded by this kind of love as she joins our family today.
Explain Why Their Marriage Makes You Happy
The key to a strong mother of the groom speech is to touch on why their marriage brings you joy. Think back to when you first met your son’s partner. What did you think? How did you feel?
Maybe you were overjoyed and you have a ton of memories to use as material for your speech.
But what if you didn’t have a great first impression or are still not sure of the person your son is choosing to marry? You need to find the silver lining. What is the one redeeming quality that makes you happy or what is one act you’ve witnessed your son’s future spouse do that has comforted you?
Focus on those memories and use one within your mother of the groom speech.
Let’s look at some examples.
As a mother, all I’ve ever wanted for my son is for him to be happy. Seeing how happy Donna has made him is the greatest gift a mother could ask for her son.
Marriage is about two people supporting each other through the joyful and difficult times in life. It brings me such joy to know that Jason and Donna will be that support for each other.
Close with a Wish for the Couple
Finally, close your mother of the groom speech with a wish for the newly married couple. This can be a simple sentence that wraps up how you feel and encourages guests to raise their glass to toast the couple.
Here are a few examples.
Jason and Donna…may you continue to love, grow, and laugh together from this day forward.
Let’s raise our glass to Jason and Donna. Today we celebrate your wedding and may you continue to celebrate your marriage from this day forward.
I wish you both all the happiness that life has to offer and my love is with you both always.
Mother of the Groom Speech Examples
Now that you have the outline down, let’s look at several more examples regarding what to say in each specific section.
Remember, these are just examples. Use them for inspiration and be sure to make them your own.
Introduction Examples
Warm & Classic
Good evening, everyone. My name is [Your Name], and I’m the mother of the groom.
Hello! I’m [Your Name]—[Son’s Name]’s mom—and I’m so happy to be here with you tonight.
I’m [Your Name], the very proud mother of the groom, and I want to thank you all for coming.
My name is [Your Name], and I have the joy, and the slight disbelief, of saying I’m the mother of the groom today.
Hi everyone. I’m [Your Name]. Also known as the woman who’s been trying not to cry all day.
Light & Playful
I’m [Your Name], mother of the groom, and unofficial coordinator of snacks, suits, and emotional support.
My name is [Your Name], and I’m the one who raised this handsome guy standing up here in the tux.
Hello! I’m [Your Name]…mother of the groom, proud wedding guest, and lifelong member of Team [Son’s Name].
I’m [Your Name], [Son’s Name]’s mom, and if you’ve seen him nervously fixing his tie 14 times today… yes, he gets that from me.
I’m [Your Name], the mother of the groom, and apparently, a public speaker now, too!
Sentimental & Sincere
My name is [Your Name], and I’m [Son’s Name]’s mom. And I’ve been dreaming of this day.
I’m [Your Name], and I have the honor of being the mother of the person [Spouse’s Name] chose to spend their life with.
My name is [Your Name], and today I get to celebrate not just my son, but the beautiful bond he shares with his spouse.
I’m [Your Name], mother of the groom. And it’s impossible to put into words how full my heart is right now.
Confident & Humorous
Hi everyone. I’m [Your Name]. If you’ve ever met [Son’s Name], chances are I’ve told you a mildly embarrassing story about him. Well, tonight will be no different.
My name is [Your Name], and I am the very proud, slightly emotional, and only mildly over-involved mother of the groom.
I’m [Your Name], mother of the groom, keeper of his baby photos, and sworn protector of his deepest teenage secrets…for now.
I’m [Your Name]. [Son’s Name]’s mom. And yes, I do remember the exact day he told me about his spouse—and what cocktails we were drinking at the time.
Thank You Section Examples
Gracious & Heartfelt
Thank you all for being here today. Your presence means everything to our family.
I’m so grateful to each and every one of you for joining us to celebrate [Son’s Name] and [Spouse] today.
It’s truly special to see this room full of people who care so deeply for [Son’s Name] and [Spouse]. Thank you for being here.
Thank you for taking the time to be part of such a meaningful moment in our family’s life.
We’re honored to have you here to witness the beginning of this new chapter for [Son’s Name] and [Spouse].
Warm & Inclusive
Thank you for coming today and for surrounding [Son’s Name] and [Spouse] with so much love and support.
Your presence here has made a beautiful day even more memorable. And so, thank you for celebrating with us.
On behalf of our entire family, thank you for being part of today’s celebration of love.
This day wouldn’t be complete without all of you here. Thank you for making it so meaningful.
From near and far, you’ve shown up for [Son’s Name] and [Spouse], and that means the world to us.
Casual & Heartfelt
Thanks for being here to help us celebrate [Son’s Name] and [Spouse]. We’re thrilled to share this day with you.
I just want to take a moment to thank all of you for being part of today. It wouldn’t feel the same without you.
Whether you traveled five miles or five hundred, thank you for showing up for [Son’s Name] and [Spouse].
We’re so lucky to have a community of people like you to share in this joy with us. Thank you.
Sincere with a Touch of Humor
Thank you for being here to celebrate [Son’s Name] and [Spouse], and for surviving the group photo chaos.
We truly appreciate you being here…and promise the speeches will be shorter than the bar line.
Thank you for being here, for dressing up, for being so generous with your time…but most of all, for loving these two as much as we do.
Your presence, your hugs, your terrible dance moves…thank you for all of it. This day wouldn’t be the same without you.
Talk About Your Son Section Examples
Your idea
[Son’s Name] has always been incredibly thoughtful…even as a child.
Expand on the Concept
When [Son’s Name] was in middle school, I had one of those long, draining days at work. I came home, kicked off my shoes, and found a plate waiting on the counter.
It had a grilled cheese sandwich (a little too toasted on one side), an apple sliced into uneven chunks, and a handwritten note that said, “Hope you had a good day. If not, eat this.”
No one told him to do that. He just noticed. And he did something kind.
Tie it Back to Marriage
That instinct to notice when someone else is struggling—and to respond with care—has only grown stronger as he’s gotten older.
It’s that same thoughtfulness that will carry him through life as a loving partner…showing up, paying attention, and making the little things count.
Your idea
He brings humor and lightness to any situation.
Expand on the Concept
I remember when he was around six, we got caught in a downpour on the way out of the grocery store. I was grumbling about the groceries getting wet.
He just looked at me and said, “Well, at least now we don’t have to wash the apples when we get home!”
He turned a miserable moment into a memory.
Tie it Back to Marriage
That ability to laugh and to bring joy even when things aren’t perfect is a gift. And it’s one that will carry [Son’s Name] and his spouse through the messy, beautiful, unexpected parts of marriage with laughter and love intact.
Your idea
He’s fiercely loyal to the people he loves.
Expand on the Concept
When [Son’s Name] was in high school, he had a close friend who went through a tough time.
While a lot of kids pulled away, [Son’s Name] leaned in.
He was there…showing up, checking in, sometimes just sitting quietly beside his friend after school.
No spotlight.
No performance.
Just loyalty, in the most genuine sense.
That friend later told me that [Son’s Name] made him feel like he wasn’t alone in the world.
Tie it Back to Marriage
That kind of loyalty…the steady, unconditional kind…is the foundation of a strong partnership.
I know [Son’s Name] will bring that same deep-rooted devotion to his marriage. Not just in the big, bold moments, but also in the quiet, everyday ways that matter most.
Talk About the New Spouse Section Examples
Your Idea
[Spouse] is incredibly steady. They’re calm, clear-headed, and grounded, even in chaos.
Story to Show Trait
A few winters ago, [Son’s Name] called me in a mild panic because their flight had been canceled, the rental car was snowed in, and they were stranded in a tiny airport. I could hear him spiraling.
But then, in the background, I heard [Spouse] say, very calmly, “We’re safe. We’re together. We’ll figure it out.”
And just like that, his whole tone changed. He exhaled. And I thought, they are a perfect match.
Close with Why You’re Happy
It means so much to know that my son has someone by his side who brings him peace, keeps him grounded, and reminds him of what really matters. That kind of presence is rare, and I feel lucky that not only my son but also our entire family gets to be inspired by that energy for a lifetime.
Your idea
[Spouse] has this beautiful ability to make people feel included and at ease.
Story to Show Trait
At a family barbecue a few summers ago, [Spouse] was meeting some of our extended family for the first time.
I remember watching them float from table to table, introducing themselves, remembering everyone’s name, asking thoughtful questions. They even helped Aunt Carol find the ketchup without being asked.
By the end of the day, people kept coming up to me and saying, “I love [Spouse]!”
Close with Why You’re Happy
Well, may I be the first here tonight but definitely not the last to say…I love you, Spouse! Welcome to the family!
Talk About Their Marriage Section Examples
As a mother, you spend so many years trying to protect your child from the world. But the day comes when you realize your job is no longer to shield them, it’s to celebrate the person they’ve chosen to walk through the world with. And I couldn’t be happier with who [Son’s Name] has chosen.
Watching the way [Son’s Name] and [Spouse] look at each other…the inside jokes, the calm in each other’s presence, the way they soften when the other one speaks…it’s those little things that make me believe they’ve truly found their match. And that makes my heart feel completely at peace.
I admit, when I first met [Spouse], I had my doubts. I think it’s a rite of passage for any mother. But over time, it was the quiet things that won me over. The way they listen when [Son’s Name] talks, the way they laugh with my other kids, the way they show up. That’s when I knew: this is a good match. And I’m grateful for it.
When I see [Son’s Name] with [Spouse], I see a version of him that’s stronger, softer, and more complete. That’s what the right kind of love does. It doesn’t change who you are…it brings out the best of what’s already there. And that makes this marriage a joy to witness.
I used to lie awake wondering who my son would end up with. Would they understand his quirks? Would they challenge him? Would they appreciate and respect him like we do? I don’t wonder anymore. [Spouse] has answered every one of those questions with grace, humor, and love.
What makes me happiest about their marriage isn’t just how much [Spouse] loves [Son’s Name]…it’s how much they like each other. They laugh together. They’re silly together. And they make the ordinary moments feel full. That’s a kind of magic that lasts.
I’ve seen [Son’s Name] through every stage, every struggle, every milestone. And I’ve never seen him more sure of himself or more deeply content than he is with [Spouse]. That’s how I know this is the real thing.
The truth is, I don’t just love their relationship, I respect it. They listen to each other. They’re patient with each other. They make decisions as a team. And they’re building something solid. As a mom, there’s no greater comfort than knowing your child has found that kind of love.
Closing Toast Examples
Classic & Heartfelt
[Son’s Name] and [Spouse], may your life together be filled with laughter, patience, and an endless supply of love.
Here’s to [Son’s Name] and [Spouse], may this be the beginning of a marriage as beautiful as your love for each other.
I wish you both a lifetime of shared dreams, quiet mornings, and the kind of love that grows stronger with time.
May your partnership always be your safe haven, your joy, and your greatest adventure.
Let’s raise our glasses to [Son’s Name] and [Spouse]: may your love story only get better with every chapter.
Warm & Personal
[Son’s Name], you’ve found someone who truly sees you. [Spouse], you’ve found someone who will always have your back. May you both keep choosing each other, every single day.
It’s been an honor to witness your love grow. Now I can’t wait to watch your life unfold together. Cheers to a beautiful future.
May your home be full of music, your kitchen the spot for epic dance parties, and your hearts forever full of love.
Here’s to inside jokes, long walks, solved arguments, and the quiet kind of love that shows up every day.
[Son’s Name] and [Spouse], my wish is that you never stop learning, never stop listening, and never stop holding each other close.
Poetic & Reflective
May love continue to guide you, even when the path bends in unexpected ways.
May your love feel like home, steady, warm, and full of belonging.
May your life together be the kind of beautiful that doesn’t need an audience, quiet, true, and yours alone.
May you always find your way back to each other, no matter what the world throws your way.
Still struggling to write your mother of the groom speech?
Get help from a professional. At Wedding Words, I work with tonged-tied couples to write their vows and overwhelmed mothers of the groom to write their speeches.
Let’s connect. I’d love to hear about the upcoming wedding and collaborate together to write a beautiful mother of the groom speech that you’ll be proud and confident to deliver to your son on his wedding day.
What Past Clients Are Saying
Helping moms express their love, pride, and joy on one of the most meaningful days of their lives is an honor I don’t take lightly.
Every story is unique, and every speech I craft is rooted in the heart of that personal journey.
But don’t just take my word for it…here’s what some of the incredible women I’ve worked with had to say about their experience in working with me to craft their mother of the groom speech.
“I was so nervous about the thought of giving a speech and wasn’t satisfied with what I had written. I did a Google search and came across Katelyn.
She took all my thoughts and created everything I wanted to get across but hadn’t been able to put into words myself.
The speech went AMAZING!!
People were laughing and crying and I was actually able to deliver it with confidence!
But most importantly the bride and groom absolutely LOVED it.
It could not have gone better! Thank you so much Katelyn for all your help!”
“It was a pleasure working with Katelyn to get the precise wording for my speech for my son’s wedding.
She took my thoughts and feelings and put them into words that I delivered with confidence and pride.
I highly recommend Katelyn for any speech writing that you may need.
Thank you Katelyn!”
“I used Katelyn for the rehearsal dinner speech.
She was able to help us a few weeks prior to the event. I was very appreciative of the helpful questions she asked which stirred my own memories of our son .
She is a superb listener, thoughtful insight, and very kind constructive feedback.
Great to work with another woman owned business!”
Not a mother of a the groom?
If you’re the father of the groom but could still use help with your speech, we’ve got you covered. Here’s my advice for the father of the groom speech. Also, if you’re a mother of the bride, you can reference these tips for how to give your speech. And for the father of the bride, be sure to check out this speech writing guide.
